The Miriam Hospital’s Nursing Residency Programs Earns Second ANCC Accreditation

The Nursing Residency Program at The Miriam Hospital, the only one of its kind in Rhode Island, has again received accreditation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). There are only some 200 such programs worldwide.

This is the second time the program has received this distinction; the first was in 2018. Accreditation is granted for four years. The ANCC’s Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP) sets the global standard for residency programs that transition registered nurses into new practice settings.

Achieving PTAP accreditation requires a rigorous application process, submission of a self-study document that showcases the program, and a site visit, which was conducted virtually this year. To be recognized is a testament to the valuable hands-on experience and personal support the program provides new nurses.

“Having a Newly Licensed Nurse Residency Program that is accredited is a distinguishing factor and a great honor,” said Maria Ducharme, president of The Miriam Hospital. “We value the evidence-based framework that assists in bridging a nurse’s experience from academia to practice. In the current environment, programs that assist in developing and retaining nurses are more important than ever.”

The Miriam Hospital’s Newly Licensed Nurse Residency Program was established in 2007. In 2021, there were 94 new graduate nurses entered into the 12-month residency. The ANCC is the same accrediting body for the Magnet Recognition Program, a designation The Miriam Hospital has earned six times.

“Nurses are entering the profession during a unique time in history,” said Melanie Marco, APRN, nurse residency program manager. “Our program goal is to provide the tools, resources, and support to ensure our new nurses have a smooth transition from student to professional practice. Evidence shows that organizations with accredited practice transition programs have higher retention rates.”

A key element of the program is the peer support built into its framework, which provides nurse residents with shared classes, experiences, and social and professional networking opportunities.

Nurse residents, program leadership, and nursing leadership were informed of the reaccreditation during a virtual meeting with ANCC representatives, held on Monday, February 28.